t Michael’s Church, Stinsford, (in the diocese of Salisbury (Hardy' Melchester)) is set near Kingston-Maurward, some five miles east of Dorchester. St Michael church is small and homely and dates from the 13th to the 17th century, the tower being 14th century, the church has had several Victorian restorations. A late Saxon carving of St Michael with outstretched wings is re-set on the outside of tower, probably during the restoration work. The wooden gallery where the musicians and singers of the village choir or band sat has been removed. Hardy’s plan of the gallery is on display. The Norman font was restored in 1920. Thomas Hardy is not the only poet with associations with Stinsford Church as Cecil Day Lewis 1904 -1972, the Poet Laureate (1967 - 1972), is also buried here. He was a great admirer of Thomas Hardy and had arranged that he should be buried as close as possible to the author's grave in Stinsford churchyard. Stinsford Church